Page 115 of Wildest Forever

But then we grew and as teens, we thought we knew everything. We thought we were adults and how stupid were we to think that.

My chest aches, and I suck in a deep breath as prom night flicks through my mind, playing out like a home movie.

Sitting in my room,my fingers locked as I heard my dad shouting at Riggs. I had no idea why he treated him differently, but for whatever reason he did. We all knew it. We all could see it but none of us stood up and said something.

The sound of heavy footsteps float away and I sit, waiting for my bedroom door to open. Riggs always comes in here when it gets too much with Dad. Kind of like his escape I suppose.

The door handle goes, and I see the worn work boot and I know it's my dad.

“All okay?” I ask, eyes lifting slowly and I know that it's not okay. I just heard what had gone on and my dad had broken Riggs' heart in three seconds flat.

I knew how excited he was about tonight, we all did. Me and Tripp were laughing because he was so nervous and wanted it all to be perfect.

We knew that Riggs crushed on Aspen but would never act on it because she was Austin's kid sister, but once she admitted that she had feelings for him, well, all bets were off, lines were about to be crossed.

“Get your tuxedo on,” my dad doesn't even look at me, just grunts and nods towards my closet.

“Why?” I act dumb because I am in disbelief that he would be so cruel.

“Because you're taking Aspen Warren to prom,” he says bluntly, and I feel the air whoosh from my lungs.

“But,” I don't have a chance to finish my sentence because he cuts me off.

“No buts, you're taking her.”

“Dad...” I stand, not to protest but maybe to get him to reconsider his decision.

“Get dressed Pacey, this is happening. I will not have Riggs ruin what I have with Buck. I will not have him break her heart and jeopardize what I have worked so hard for...” he trails off for a moment and that's when his eyes skate to mine. “Get dressed.”

He steps back, closing the door behind him and my chest aches.

I know how much he wanted this, and my dad has taken that away from him because he is fucking selfish.

My fists ball by my side and I squeeze my eyes shut as I try and calm my racing heart.

A soft knock on the door has me unclenching and I inhale heavily.

“Come in.”

Sighing in soft relief when I see my ma.

“Pacey,” her head tilts and I can see the anguish on her face.

I shake my head from side to side, dropping my eyes to the floor.

Her soft, warm hands are on the side of my face as she lifts me up to look at her.

“I feel awful,” I whisper as a tear runs down my cheek and I feel like an asshole because I have always liked Aspen, but I love my brother and knowing that I am taking this night away from him doesn't sit right with me.

“He'll understand,” she tries to make me feel better as I roll my lips.

“I don't think he will ma,” I admit, sadness dropping from my tone.

She pats my cheek then thumbs a tear away.

“Now get dressed my sunshine boy, Aspen will be waiting,” and I see her sad smile which crushes me even more.

Letting my face drop just as she steps back, I wait for her to leave the room and only when I know she is gone, do I pull myself together and get dressed for tonight.

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